Join Us In Welcoming Our New AD
Dear friends,
We hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Although it may have appeared that things were quiet at Pacific Theatre over the summer, we as a Board of Directors want to share the exciting work that has been taking place behind the scenes.
As we announced back in June, Ron is retiring in 2021 and we launched the much anticipated search for our new Artistic Director. With the support of a Succession Advisory Group made up of local and out-of-province artists, long-time patrons, and former Board members we interviewed an impressive pool of candidates from across Canada. The calibre of the talent we attracted is a testament to the legacy of Ron and the reputation Pacific Theatre has built nationally. We dearly wish we could have hired many of them.
After multiple rounds of interviews, the Board reached a unanimous decision to offer Kaitlin Williams the role of Artistic Director. The final decision was a difficult one, made solely by the Board of Directors after much prayerful deliberation. Ultimately Kaitlin emerged as the bold, courageous, experienced, and innovative artist we’d like to see lead Pacific Theatre, alongside our Executive Director Jennifer Milley and staff team, into the future.
“I am humbled and grateful to be stepping into this leadership role with Pacific Theatre, a company which has been formative in my development as an artist and a home for many years. I am eager to serve the artists and audience who are as passionate about PT as I am, and who want to join me in continuing to expand our community.”
– Kaitlin Williams
Maria, Kaitlin, Soran, and Carolyn at the Kim’s Convenience table read.
Kaitlin began her professional career in 2009 as a PT apprentice. She has since become a welcome and familiar face on our stage and in the broader Vancouver theatre community as an actor and director. Her credits include work for Bard on the Beach, the Arts Club, the Belfry, ITSAZOO, Delinquent Theatre, the Electric Company, Chemainus Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Touchstone Theatre, Rumble Theatre and many others. You may have seen her at Pacific in shows like The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Doubt, or It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, or hosting Christmas Presence! Shows she directed have received 8 Jessie nominations, including outstanding lead actress (Anita Wittenberg, Mother Of The Maid), outstanding ensemble (Almost, Maine), and outstanding production and direction (Kim’s Convenience).
Ron will be remaining at PT until 2021 as part of a transition year in the role of Artistic Director Emeritus, collaborating with Kaitlin and Jennifer on this year’s programming and COVID-19 plans. He will remain a friendly face around PT in the years to come, and we look forward to celebrating Ron’s legacy together with you when it’s safe to do so. Stay tuned.
“I am thrilled with the decision, Kaitlin has a long history with our company and knows its ethos and mandate in her bones – as well as having her own ideas about how we need to move into the next chapter of the theatre’s history.”
Ron Reed
We extend a wholehearted thanks to everyone who has been patient as we discover new ways to gather safely and to make theatre that supports our artists while protecting our community. We’re thrilled to be opening our first show of the season in October (check out the details below!) and Kaitlin – and the entire staff – are looking forward to welcoming you back to the alley very soon.
Gratefully,
Steffen Janzen
Board President
For more on Kaitlin and the next chapter at Pacific, you can read the full press release.
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